Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Jane.
Hi Emily, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in a little town outside of Atlanta, the 5th of 6 children. I was literally born at home (just an example of how southern I am, ha-ha!).
I fell in love with the idea of being an actress at a young age.. watching films like Man in the Moon with a very young Reese Witherspoon. This girl, whom was about my age in the film, sparked a desire that burned in me ever since! I was in every production I had an opportunity to be in when I was in grade school. Being in front of the camera was my absolute favorite thing; it was way more intimate than theater.
When I was in my early 20s, I started taking acting classes and have been in every film I could possibly find since.
In the last couple of years, I have stepped back from being in front of the camera and have gotten behind it. Directing my first film last year and another one this year. I have also taken on a role as a producer, creating several films and shorts.
Shaundraey Carmichael cast me as the lead in her first film about 10 years ago, a film that she wrote, directed and produced! We instantly became friends and here we are today, about to host our first Atlanta Sci-Fi/ Horror film festival, The Bloody Peach Film Fest, and couldn’t be more ecstatic to do so!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I was a single mother and you can imagine all of the struggles that come along with that. Trying to balance work, acting classes, motherhood, and filming was very much a struggle.
I definitely have pulled my share of 16-hour days and a few 24-hour days along the way. I brought my son along with me to some productions and he was cast as an extra a few times or just the PA on set, lol.
Trying to keep up with paying bills by working two jobs, affording acting classes, balancing my time as a mother, and still finding time for productions was the most challenging thing I have ever done.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As any respectable artist knows, you have to have a boring ole day-job in order to be able to afford to work on your art. I love to work with my hands, so I am an Electrical Technician. I work in research so I am always building something new and, seemingly, exciting.
I think that what sets me apart in anything I do, is my work ethic. I am the person who isn’t going to tell you, “That’s not my job”, I am always willing to help, and I am true to my word. When I say I am going to do something, I do it. If not, there was a damn good reason.
I am most proud of my son. He made it to adulthood alive! Ha-ha, but for real, he also has a good head on his shoulders.
I would also say I am proud to still be a part of the film community, acting/directing/producing/doing voiceovers, etc. I am just honored to be a part of it.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
A good mentor is going to be someone that has what you want. Not just someone who seems to be doing alright in life but someone who actually has obtained some form of your dream. That is the person who has the experience to guide you on your personal journey.
Finding that person is a great challenge in life, but you need to be personable, impressionable, and open to new friendships.
Don’t have any chips on your shoulder. Be humble and willing to accept guidance and judgment from time to time. Don’t take it as judgment, but constructive criticism. And certainly don’t accept these criticisms from people who are not on the level you are trying to get to, because they are the ones who are likely jealous and have no idea of your dreams. They just want to tear you down.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bloodypeachfilmfest.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/actressemilyjane
Image Credits
Amanda Farish Marshall Fine Randy Burnett
